Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Dayton, Ohio (May 2026)
Through May 2026, the average CDL driver in Dayton, Ohio earns $2,561 per week (median $1,975). Based on 1,708 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,160. Ohio sits at the center of the US manufacturing belt, with I-70 / I-71 / I-75 forming a freight grid through Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati and major automotive, steel, and chemical supply chains driving consistent lane demand.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Where Dayton, Ohio differs from the Ohio baseline
| Dayton, Ohio | Ohio | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,561 | $2,132 | +20% |
| Take-truck-home | 87% | 79% | +8 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 71% | 64% | +7 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 68% | 61% | +7 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 83% | 71% | +12 pt |
| Regional routes | 14% | 20% | -6 pt |
| Local routes | 2% | 7% | -5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Dayton, Ohio differs most from Ohio — 20% above statewide.
What CDL drivers are earning across Dayton, Ohio
Across active CDL postings in Dayton, Ohio this month, pay varies meaningfully by hiring type. The breakdown below shows the average and median weekly pay for each.
| Hiring type | Avg/wk | Median/wk | Active postings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,172 | $2,000 | 727 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,528 | $1,500 | 585 |
| Owner Operator | $7,081 | $7,000 | 396 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Dayton, Ohio
Of active CDL postings in Dayton, Ohio this month, 14% are regional and 83% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 3%.
Across Dayton, Ohio CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 87% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 68% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Ohio
Ohio sits at the center of the US manufacturing belt and runs about as much through-freight as any state. I-70, I-71, I-75, and the Ohio Turnpike form a freight grid that's flat, generally well-maintained, and forgiving for newer drivers — Ohio is one of the better states to gain initial OTR experience. The Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati metros each anchor distinct lane profiles (auto, distribution, and pharmaceutical respectively). Winter operational risk is real — lake-effect off Erie, freezing rain in the central part of the state — but less extreme than the Great Plains states. Ohio cost of living is below the national average, which makes the income math work better than the headline pay numbers suggest.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Dayton, Ohio
- Best owner-operator companies in Dayton, Ohio
- CDL driver salary in Ohio
How we compile these rankings
Compensation, FMCSA safety, benefits, and operational performance — weighted 30, 25, 25, and 20 percent respectively. Compensation extends beyond headline pay to include sign-on bonus tier and settlement cadence. Benefits scoring differs by hiring type because the perks that matter to a W2 driver and a contractor are not the same. Updated May 2026.